Article;;Basic Dog Health Care – What Every Dog Owners Should Know

Grooming and skin care are part of the basics in caring for your dog.** Knowing when and how to give your dog a bath or dental...


Basic Dog Health Care What Every Dog
Owners Should Know
There is a reason why they call dogs ‘man’s best friend’. It's truly an honour to win and keep a dog's trust. Owners tend to build a lifelong bond with their dogs. Get to know him really well - not just about how he likes to chew your slippers, or what his favourite toy is or even why he hates the postman, but about dog health issues – what affects his body and how to recognise signs and symptoms of illness so that you can make sure he is in tip-top condition. You want your best friend to be happy!

A comprehensive book on dog health is an investment you should not overlook. Knowing details about your dog’s particular breed and general care would be helpful. Grooming and skin care are part of the basics in caring for your dog. Knowing when and how to give your dog a bath or dental care especially if he's almost as big as you are will make exercise and play far more enjoyable for both of you.

Take a walk down to your veterinary surgery enquire about the treatments and services they offer, and take note of their operation hours and emergency service telephone numbers. More vets these days complement traditional veterinary practices with holistic health care for pets and can use complementary medicine to ensure your dog’s health is holistic. Vets will keep you in the know regarding natural dog health products that work to maintain your dog’s overall health as well as function as prescription based treatments for specific ailments. They will be able to advise you on which dog care product will suit your particular dog depending on his size, breed, coat and characteristics. Remember that different breeds will have unique health issues and preferences, and your vet will have some tips that would make the first step to owning a dog that much easier.

Do enquire about the vaccination programmes and feeding regimes suitable for the breed and age of dog you are intending to keep as a pet. The care of puppies can vary greatly with mature dogs; vaccination programmes could be vastly different as well. Many a time, vets will have some literature that will come in handy. It's a good idea to get all this background information before you own a dog so that you can be well prepared and can plan ahead for the regular care and treatment your dog might need.

Most importantly, do build up a good relationship with the veterinary team. Remember, they are not only there for emergencies - they are there whenever you need advice, and together, you can make sure your dog has the happiest, healthiest life possible.
Submitted By: Tim Amherst
Article:http://www.isnare.com

Article**Dog Health Checkups Are Essential For The Health Of Your Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bull, your vet will be better able to tell when something isn’t quite right, and provide prompt medical treatment.

Dog Health Checkups Are Essential
For The Health Of Your Pit Bull Terrier
All responsible dog owners know that when your pet shows signs of feeling ill or gets injured that it's time for a visit to the veterinarian.

Naturally, it is important to take your pet to the vet when there is a problem, but many people forget the importance of taking their pets to the doctor when they are healthy! Taking your Pit Bull to the vet for routine well check-ups and vaccinations can prevent many serious medical conditions, and treat others early on before they have a chance to progress and endanger your Pit Bull’s health.

No matter how good the care you provide for your Pit Bull is, you may miss early signs of disease that the vet would be able to spot at a routine visit. Catching many diseases early can help prevent them from becoming major health issues. Animals often try to hide any sign of illness, because it can be a sign of weakness to other animals. Your Pit Bull’s ability to hide symptoms makes them that much harder to catch early on.

Taking your Pit Bull for preventative care can often save you quite a bit of money. Diseases left untreated can be very costly to treat, amassing tremendous bills along the way. By early diagnosis and treatment, you can prevent it from ever getting to that level, therefore saving yourself a lot of money.

By having routine visits with your Pit Bull, your veterinarian will learn what is normal for your dog, as no two animals are quite the same. In learning what is considered normal for your Pit Bull, your vet will be better able to tell when something isn’t quite right, and provide prompt medical treatment. Your vet will keep records of every visit, so that he can refer back to them, which will help in treating old problems, and diagnosing new ones.

At your yearly well checkup, your vet will also check to see if your Pit Bull is getting the right diet he needs. The vet will suggest changes to help if your Pit Bill is overweight, or malnourished. This can be vital to your pet’s health. Obesity is a major problem that can cause your pet to suffer from a variety of medical problems. It is also crucial that he get proper nutrition, and your vet can prescribe supplements as needed.

Providing routine veterinary care is a vital part of taking care of your Pit Bull. You are responsible for his well-being, and your vet can help you make sure everything is as it should be. Please don’t take these yearly preventative check-ups for granted, your Pit Bull’s health depends on them.
Submitted By: Tim Amherst
Article:http://www.isnare.com

Dog Health Can Be Improved With a Natural Diet-Article

It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog.

Dog HealthCan Be Improved
With a Natural Diet

Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.

The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they're not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians. Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs. All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance.

The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.

A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat - they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones.

As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries. Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that's what they're used to.

A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won't be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere - try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog's health will benefit!
by: Brigitte Smith
Article:http://www.articlecity.com/

Article++Dog Health Care - Flea Fighting Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know

Fleas are like small vampires that literally suck the blood out of your dog.

Flea Fighting Tips
Every Dog Owner Should Know

Fleas are like small vampires that literally suck the blood out of your dog. Not only do they live by draining his blood and cause severe irritation, if they are eaten by your dog or puppy then they can cause internal worms. Obviously these little creatures are a menace and should be kept under control at all times.

If you are unsure whether your dog is a victim of fleas, simply purchase a flea comb from the nearest pet store and run it through your dog's coat. Just one brush should help you detect whether or not there is a flea problem to deal with.

Sometimes a flea comb will pull up what appears to be dirt. However, don't be too happy just yet. Take those particles of dirt and place them on a paper towel and then drop a little water on top. If it turns into a red color, then congratulations - you have discovered a flea excrement!

How to treat your dog or puppy for fleas
There are many ways to handle flea problems; you just have to find what works best for you and which protocol you are comfortable with. Other circumstances are involved with your choice of fleas fighting tools such as how large the infestation is, whether or not parts of your house are flea nesting areas, and how many pets you have in the house.

The best thing to do is talk directly with your veterinarian and give him all of this information so that he can make a recommendation on the appropriate way for you to combat the flea issue. Personally, I prefer to use more natural methods rather than spraying chemicals throughout the home and on my dogs. Such natural flea fighting examples would be using menthol, garlic, and eucalyptus.

If you choose the standard chemical shampoos and sprays, be sure to use caution when applying them to your dog. Avoid spraying or squeezing these products near your dog's facial area and the underbelly near the scrotum. These are very sensitive areas of your dog's body and allergic reactions could be a very real possibility.

Another tip is to ask your veterinarian about the possibility of using flea tablets or power. These products do not necessarily kill all of the fleas that you and your dog are having trouble with, but they do do a terrific job of sterilizing the entire army of fleas so that they cannot reproduce. And what's more beneficial is that these products are not nearly as toxic as other shampoos and sprays that are designed to kill parasites on the spot.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article**Dog Health Problem - Common questions about heart worm

The common questions about heart worm are often related to the species affected .. heart worms in addition to the dogs.**Common questions about heart worm

Common questions about heart worm
The common questions about heart worm are often related to the species affected by heart worms in addition to the dogs. One should know that in addition to dogs, the cat, fox, wolf, horse, sea lion etc. are also affected. Can this be cured or not? Yes. This can be treated.

What is the drug used often for the prevention of heart worm in dogs? Ivermectin is the drug used often to have preventive actions for these heart worms. Dogs affected reveal constant coughing, panting and dullness in many occasions.

What will be the size of the worms? In the case of the females, it is about twenty-seven centimeters and in the case of males, it is about seventeen centimeters in length. Is there any vector involve in the transmission of the disease? Yes. Mosquitoes often get associated as vectors in which the early development of larvae of heart worms occur in them.

Is the prophylaxis meant only for heart worms or others also? The prophylaxis is meant not only for the heart worms but also for the hook worms, whip worms, and round worms. What is the infective type of larvae that is associated with the transmission of these heart worms? The third stage larva that is transmitted by the mosquito bites.

This occurs through out the world. In some areas, the incidences are less in colder months in which the mosquito breeding will not be there and may be dormant during these periods. What is the name of the drug used for therapy and prevention? Ivermectin and milbemycin oxime may be used for both purposes. Ivermectin is available in injection form and oral form.

Additionally, the forms for external application are also available. The cost factor needs to be worked out for all these treatments. What is the frequency of drug used for prophylaxis? One month before the mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given once monthly for the prophylaxis. Diethylcarbamazine may be used for therapy purpose.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article.,Dog Health Care - Do parasites cause “Scooting”?

Parasites too cause the scooting. Scooting is a an anal sac disease. First let's understand what scooting is in detail. This is the dragging of anus with the hind limbs in an extended state. Parasites causing irritation in the anus regions lead to such type of actions in animals like dogs.

Do parasites cause “Scooting”?
However, one should not be under the impression that it is the parasite that alone causes such scooting in case of dogs. There are many occasions in which the dog may have the scooting without any parasite based etiological agent. For example, the anal gland infections, tumors at the anus and injuries near the anal regions also may lead to such type of dragging of anus region, frequently by the affected dogs.

Flea bite allergy often causes irritation at the anus region and the animal may try to bite the anus region and the irritations due to these factors lead to the final dragging of anus region on the ground. Cestodiasis in dogs is the condition caused by tapeworms.

In such occasions, if the animal is not treated in time, the animal may be seen exhibiting the scooting activities. Tapeworm segments passed in the stool create crawling like activities near anus.

Such crawling activities of the tapeworm segments lead to severe itching at these regions. Hence, to make a relief from this type of constant irritation, the animal starts pressing the anus region on the ground first and then tries to drag it on the ground with typical extension of rear limbs.

Usually there is a packet of eggs when the fecal sample is examined by microscope. However, the flotation technique leads to breakage of these packets to burst and hence, diagnosis is difficult in such occasions. Scooting dogs need to be examined to rule out tapeworm segments, which look like rice like pieces.

These segments are white in color and turn yellow when taken from the body. Tapeworms themselves may be seen in the motion or near anus below the tail regions. Consult your veterinarian for specific cures for this.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article**Dog Health Care – Natural Ways To Calm The Overexcited & Stress Out Dog

Anxiety and fear are not necessarily the result of improper behavior or lack of training. Oftentimes your dog can feel better with less stress levels by using natural therapy.

Natural Ways To Calm The Overexcited & Stress Out Dog

Does your dog become anxious and extremely fearful for no apparent reason at all? You have probably researched and read a lot about dog psychology and behavior issues that result from aggression or fear, however, sometimes the problem is not as complicated is we make it out to be.

Anxiety and fear are not necessarily the result of improper behavior or lack of training. Oftentimes your dog can feel better with less stress levels by using natural therapy. Many dogs like this also have a tough time sleeping at night due to their anxiety.

Here are a few tips that you can try to use in
order to help your dog relieve his fear and stress:

1. Try feeding your dog any food that has wheat in it. Reports have shown that the byproducts from digesting wheat can help act on certain centers of your dog/s brain which helps make him feel calm.

2. In other way to activate the calming function of your dog's brain is to feed him warm milk with a little bit of natural honey. Add a dog biscuit to the mix and you have a great meal that is a healthy and natural way for your dog to relieve his stress and fear.

3. There is a natural herb called kava which can be found in most health food stores. Try adding a few drops of this herb to your dog's water bowl. Kava has a natural relaxation-inducing effect and is perfectly healthy for your dog to ingest. It can also be purchased as a dry herb which can be added to your dog's food. Please do not use more than the recommended dosage that comes with the package.

4. Since we are on the subject of natural food in order to help relieve your dog's stress and anxiety, simply give your dog small snacks to nibble on during the day instead of one or two big meals. Research has shown that nibbling on food in very small amounts can also create a calming effect on both animals and humans.

5. Last but not least, there is another supplement that is very similar to Kava. It is called Bach's Rescue Remedy and can be found in most health food stores. Dosages vary but of course be sure to read the label for accurate amounts to feed your dog. We suggest that you opt for the liquid form of Bach's that does not contain alcohol and simply add it to your dog's water bowl.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Dog Health Care - Declaring war On Ticks Part 1+Article

Each year as the warm weather approaches, dog owners should be increasingly apprehensive about those gluttonous, disease-carrying “Rhipicephalus Sanquineus”.

Declaring War On Ticks Part 1
This dangerous creature can infect man with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, cause paralysis, and even kill dogs and puppies. Referred to by most everyone as “ticks”, these parasites are blamed for carrying the micro-organism that caused the death of so many British war dogs in Singapore several decades ago. And during the Vietnam war, more than 300 U.S. war dogs had died mysteriously from tropical canine hemorrhagic syndrome, and canine hemorrhagic fever. Intensive studies resulted in the finger of guilt pointing directly at the ordinary tick. Although there are several different species of ticks (wood tick, brown dog tick, etc.), a tick by any other name is still a tick. Because of resistance to insecticides, the tick is one of the most difficult external parasites to control.

The female tick will lay up to five thousands eggs in the crevices of a kennel, baseboard, or under the carpeting in the home. Eggs are never deposited upon the host animal. After twenty to thirty days have elapsed, the eggs hatch and become larvae. The larvae then seek out a host dog, gorge themselves on his blood, then drop off again to hide. Six to twenty-three days later, the larvae molt and become eight-legged nymphs.

The nymphs obtain another blood meal from a dog, drop off again and go into hiding. Twelve to twenty-nine days later, the nymph tick molts and becomes an adult. As an adult, it once more seeks the dog, engorges blood, and mates. From the time the eggs hatch – and before the tick becomes an adult – it returns to the host dog more than once to feed on the canine's blood.

Once hatched however, a tick can live in a house for up to two years without needing a host dog to feed on. Out of doors, ticks climb onto branches and into foliage to await the arrival of a dog host. A dog napping under a bush, or walking within jumping distance of the tick is all that is needed to provide the parasite with a host. In the home, ticks will emerge from beneath rugs and carpeting, climb walls, table and chairs, and even up as high as wall pictures, to await the passing of a dog. They may even have to wait up to six months, but a tick can instantly sense the approach of a dog and jump on it as it passes.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article**Dog Health Care - Declaring War On Ticks Part 2

Declaring War On Ticks Part 2

Once on a dog, a female tick buries her head beneath the skin tissues, extends her barbed “tongue” and is then clamped on tight. Once the head and barbed probe are beneath the skin, no amount of shaking or scratching by the dog will cause the tick to dislodge.

The tick then feasts upon the dog's blood in this manner until she bloats to about the size of a pea. The male tick (brown, and a fraction of her size) then mates with the female. When she has received her fill of blood from the dog, she withdraws her barbed probe, and drops off of the host dog. She'll then crawl into tiny crevices between sofa cushions and carpeting to lay her thousands of eggs.

Once a home or kennel is infested, eradication is no simple process, any more than ridding a dog of the parasite is a simple process. A single tick found on a dog necessitates immediate and zealous efforts at all stages of its life cycle.

Removing a tick – or ticks – from a dog can be done by the owner, providing the tick has not attached itself to the inner ear, on the eyelid, or some other inaccessible place that would require anesthesia. And because the tick's probe is barbed (similar to a fish hook), brushing or combing by the dog owner may rid ticks that haven't yet “locked on”, but does nothing for those that are already attached.

The dog's hair should be pulled back from around the tick for the benefit of full exposure. A few drops of iodine or rubbing alcohol can then be applied directly on the tick. This will momentarily shock the parasite, and in some cases, cause it to loosen its probe.

Using a pair of tweezers, and getting as close to the skin line as possible, the tick can be pulled out with a slight twisting motion so that the head is not severed and allowed to remain embedded in the dog's skin. If that should occur, secondary infection could result. It is always wise to reapply iodine, alcohol, or other antiseptic to the puncture once the tick is removed. If the tick's head remains beneath the dog's skin, applications of hydrogen peroxide can be helpful.

Once the dog is free of ticks, complacency on the part of the dog owner usually results in reinfestation. It should be remembered that if the dog picked up a tick, he may well have picked up larvae from four or five thousand recently hatched eggs. Dousing with a tick powder or other acaracide would be beneficial here, but if the larvae have dropped off in your home or yard, removing the original tick is only the beginning of the battle.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article...Dog Health Care - Declaring War On Ticks Part 3

Declaring War On Ticks
Part 3

Ticks are amazingly efficient at surviving almost any attack. The rate of propagation and resistance to insecticides is phenomenal to say the least. In heated kennels and homes, ticks breed all year round. When the weather is cold, they'll withdraw to cracks and crevices to await warmer times.

Since it takes twenty to thirty days for eggs to hatch, an infested home should be treated at ten-day intervals, at least four times, then once a month for two or three months. Sprays and insecticides used should be marked as a acaracide. Other insecticides appear to have little-to-no effect.

Usually it is only necessary to spray as high as two or three feet from the floor up the walls (unless tick infestation is heavy). If the family dog is accustomed to sleeping on the sofa or in overstuffed chairs, spraying should include those areas, paying particular attention to cushions as well as the edges of rugs and baseboards.

To man, the tick represents the disease known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Originally, it was thought that the disease was restricted to the region of the Rocky Mountains – thus its name. However, it is not regional at all, and may be acquired over a considerable portion of the United States, east and west, and even in Canada. (The tick is also responsible for “rabbit fever” in rodents, which is transmissible to man.)

In the southern portion of the United States, as well as in France and Africa, there is an intestinal protozoan parasite – Babesia – which attacks blood cells in a dog and causes extreme anemia. This protozoan is spread from dog to dog by ticks. Heavy infestation of ticks upon a dog can cause an extreme loss of blood, anemia, paralysis, and even death.

Flea and tick collars are available commercially, but while such collars might eventually cause the tick to die, much damage and infestation can be done in the interim. Veterinarians can also prescribe tablets, which, when given to a dog, ensure that any tick that bites the dog will die.

The consequences of tick infestation should dictate the importance of tick control in homes and kennels. The approach of warmer weather signals the approach of Rhipicephalus Sanquineus. Now if THAT sounds like a blood-sucking monster from a science fiction movie, you're partially right. Blood sucking monster? Yes! Science fiction? No way!
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article:Dog Health Care - Ear Cropping: What's The Point? Part 1

Ear cropping is simply not justifiable.** Second, the operation is performed usually at six to ten weeks of age, a time when permanent damage to the puppy's temperament

Ear Cropping: What's The Point?
Part 1

Each year in the country thousands of young puppies are subjected to major surgery which is expensive, dangerous to some degree, uncomfortable, and often painful in its recuperative stages, not to mention totally unnecessary! Ear cropping was humane in its origin. Centuries ago, when dogfighting sports such as bull baiting were popular, owners of fighting dogs decided that cropping the animals' ears was preferable to having them shredded in battle, which was even more painful.

Thank goodness this practical reason for the cropping of dogs' ears no longer exists! Why, then, do we persist in needless, expensive surgery? We do it simply because our eyes are accustomed to the appearance of crop-eared Boxers, Schnauzers, Great Danes, and the others; because the standards of these breeds call for cropped ears and consequently breeders must go along with the practice.

Although the AKC says, “Ear cropping is optional for all of the breeds that are usually shown with cropped ears; there is no need for which it is compulsory,” the fact is that a natural-eared dog in a show ring full of crop-eared animals would stand virtually no chance in the competition. Breeders wishing to sell pups with natural ears, therefore, would have an uphill battle in the face of public expectation. The arguments against cropping are numerous and obvious. First, any unnecessary surgery, especially when it requires a general anesthetic, is abhorrent to most dog lovers.

Ear cropping is simply not justifiable. Second, the operation is performed usually at six to ten weeks of age, a time when permanent damage to the puppy's temperament can be sustained as a result of the trauma of the operation, and the discomfort and annoyance of post-operative bandaging, racking, and taping. Third, it is a bloody operation over a large area of very sensitive skin. Besides the loss of blood, there is always some element of risk involved when a general anesthetic is used, especially with a very young pup.

The physical effect on the puppy cannot be anything but detrimental. Also, the ear-cropping age just about coincides with the selling age of the puppy. If the operation is performed by a veterinarian (and in some states this is the only way it can be done legally), the cost of the operation and aftercare add greatly to the expense of raising a litter of pups to selling age. The breeder must either take a sizable cut from his or her profit, or add the cropping costs to the selling price of the puppy. Furthermore, a puppy with a bandaged head does not make the best impression on prospective buyers.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article..Dog Health Care - Ear Cropping: What's The Point? Part 2

Often as a puppy matures, ears which looked right at cropping time become disproportionately small on an adult dog's head.

Ear Cropping:What's The Point? Part 2

Not only his ear cropping an unnecessary, painful surgery, the logical reason for it is way outdated. In addition, if the cropping is done by the breeder, too often the result is a botched job; ears that don't match, or never heal correctly, or fail to stand as they should.

Often as a puppy matures, ears which looked right at cropping time become disproportionately small on an adult dog's head. We must assume, too, that some puppies bleed to death at the hands of inexperienced breeders attempting to cut costs by doing their own cropping. In all probability there are also puppies who sustained permanent physical damage because of poorly administered anesthetic.

Even when the operation is performed by a veterinarian or an experienced breeder, there is always a risk of faulty healing or carriage, which ruins the dog for show purposes and detracts from his appearance, even as a pet.

Women's fashions are in a constant state of inconstancy. Every season brings radical changes in periods of adjustment of public taste. But after a very short time our eyes become accustomed to thigh-high skirts, short hair styles, or the latest shoes available, and these things seem normal, and even attractive. Likewise, if the practice of ear cropping were abandoned, surely it would take only a short time to adjust our eyes to the new look.

In Great Britain ear cropping has been outlawed for more than 90 years. British Boxers and Schnauzers and Danes are every bit as attractive as ours, in just a slightly different way. The natural ear of the Schnauzer is no more unattractive than that of the Fox Terrier, and breeders in those countries are spared the expense, the risks, and the bother of cropping.

In the United States, the group of breeds that have standards which specify cropped ears are: Miniature Pinschers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature and Giant Schnauzers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bovier des Flandres, and Great Danes.

The standards for Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons and Standard Schnauzers state that the ears are usually cropped, while the Staffordshire Terrier standard says that the years may be cropped or natural. For the Briard, the standard says that the ears are usually cropped in France. Until ten years ago the Bull Terrier standard said that ear cropping was optional, then the option was deleted from the standard.

Among the people who raise these breeds, reaction to the cropping question varies from, “I hate it but there's nothing I can do if I want to show my dogs and sell my pups,” to “I've been doing my own cropping for years and I don't mind it anymore and I like the look of cropped ears.”

Still, it's hard to believe that anyone who has the best interests of his or her dogs at heart could get any sort of satisfaction out of the practice of ear cropping.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article..Dog Health Care - Are Vaccinations for Pets Really Necessary?

If you have been following the standard guidelines for pet vaccinations you have probably been submitting your cat or dog to a painful shot as well as the anxiety of a visit to the vet every year in an effort to provide them the best health possible.

Are Vaccinations for Pets Really Necessary?

Vaccinations are a big business. Owners will spend what they are told in order to protect their pets and possibly themselves from contacting scary and deadly diseases such as rabies or distemper. *However, some veterinarians and pet owners are starting to question the wisdom and necessity of annual vaccinations.

Dr. Margie Scherk who runs a veterinary clinic in Vancouver was quoted in a CBC news story as stating that "We have no reason to think a cat's immune system is different than a human's immune system. And we don't get vaccinated every year."

If this is true, why do vets keep warning us to have our dogs and cats vaccinated annually?

Possibly some encourage the visits for the monetary benefits, but it is also a subject that is still fraught with controversy.

Pet owners in general are not anxious to take risks with such deadly diseases and so until conclusive studies are embraced by the medical field they will continue with annual vaccinations.

On the other hand, some studies have shown that certain vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, may be linked to an increase in tumors in cats.

Other pet owners have had personal experiences which led them to believe that vaccines in puppies may have been responsible for a higher mortality in a healthy litter.

Until these concerns have been researched further, veterinarians take their own stand on vaccinations. Dr. Kruth, who was also interviewed by CBC, believes that owners should make decisions based on the lifestyle of their pet. He explains that hunting dogs are clearly more at risk for picking up some of these diseases than a pet kept indoors in the city.

How can pet owners make an educated decision? There is a lot of information available online, as well as recommendations from Associations and veterinary schools which may reflect the more recent research. However, most individuals will likely require the experience and recommendation of their family pet's doctor or shop around to find one who seems to be implementing newer recommendations. In this case most will suggest a three year gap between most vaccinations. There are still some diseases that may require annual shots or even six month shots such as feline leukemia and kennel cough.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Dog Health Care - Keeping Your Dog Healthy,.Article

Keeping Your Dog Healthy**Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly.

*One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild dogs eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.

Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.

Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.
A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth.

Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.

Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.

Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose.
It is rather like flu in humans.

A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.

Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.

If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days.

If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.

With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article***Dog Health Care - Should You Get Health Insurance For Your Dog?

Should You Get Health Insurance For Your Dog?**You would never consider going without health insurance for your family but what about your dog.

Should You Get Health Insurance
For Your Dog?
Although many people think it is an unnecessary expense, health insurance for your pet can actually save you money and spare you from making a tough decision between the life of your dog and paying the bills should a serious health issue arise. Just like everything else today, Veterinary cost have skyrocketed.

When you do not have insurance, you must pay for every visit whether they be routine or emergency. This can run into thousands of dollars so why not get some help? Just like personal health insurance, health insurance for your dog has annual premiums and, of course a deductible. The premium price depends on the dog breed and type of policy, if you have more than one pet, you can usually get a discount. As with the premium, the deductibles vary. Typically it is around $100 a year.

There are many policies to choose from based on your dogs age, breed, lifestyle and pre-existing conditions. Theres a dog health plan to please almost everyone. Some plans cover most everything from annual checkups to vaccinations, spaying, neutering and any medications as well as ay sickness and, of course accidents. These policies, of course will be the most costly. But if you can handle the yearly costs of a well dog just fine and want something just in case your dog becomes injured or sick, you can get a policy that will cover just these occasions.

Getting a new health insurance policy for your dog is similar to getting one for yourself - emergency coverage begins as soon as you sign up with your first payment and there is a 30 day waiting period for illness and other routine claims. When considering health insurance for your dog, be aware that his age will affect the coverage.

Most policies cover the dog starting at 6 weeks of age. On the other end, you may not be able to get coverage for your dog if he is more than 8 years old. Once your dog is covered, however, he will be able to retain coverage past 8 years of age. Getting health insurance for your dog should be a serious consideration for any pet owner. Think of it as the normal expense for having your pet. It's well worth it and it really set your mind at east to know that should your dog need expensive medical treatment to save his life - you'll be covered.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Dog Health Care - Dog Ear Infections...Article

Dog Ear Infections***If your dog does have an ear infection it is important to properly clean your dog's ears . ..applying any medication.

Dog Ear Infections
Dog ear infections are also commonly called Otitis Externa. It is an infection of the outer ear canal. There are three parts to the ear; the outer, the middle, and the inner ear. Ninety percent of infections occur in the outer ear, the part of the ear that you can see.

Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. They have a horizontal and a vertical component to them, so it is hard for anything in there to drain out, like water or debris.

Signs of an ear infection include excessive head shaking, yellow to brown exudate in the ears, or a yeast like smell. Additional signs of ear infections include redness and swelling.

There are several causes of ear infections. The most common cause of ear infections are due to allergies. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others; therefore they get more ear infections.

Another common cause is sporting dogs that swim. They get water inside their ears, and provided their difficult anatomy, the water in the ears cannot drain out. Therefore, this provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. It is recommenced that if you let your dog play in the water you dry your dog's ears thoroughly afterwards.

To clean your dog's ears, start by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear and massage the ear to help loosen any debris that is in the ear. Then use a cloth or cotton gauze to whip the dirt out.

After your dog's ears are thoroughly clean, then you can apply your medication. Follow your veterinarian's advice about how much medication to apply to the ear, usually a few drops.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. For yeast infections they prescribe anti-fungals, for bacterial infections they will prescribe antibiotics. Normally treatment is applied directly into the ears, but in severe cases systemic treatment may be needed. This usually means have to give your dog pills orally.

In some dogs with severe ear problems, the veterinarian will usually clip the hair around the ear to help let more air into the ear. In extreme cases your veterinarian may recommend surgery to reconstruct the ear canal to let it drain easier.

Breeds of dogs that are prone to ear infections include all breeds with large ears that flap over the ear canal, and breeds of dogs that have a very small canal. By knowing what to look for, you can detect ear infections early.

By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article--Dog Health Care - Fleas - An Irritation at Best and Major Problem at Worst

Dog Health Care,Fleas are an irritation at best++ a major problemDogat worst. Not just to our pets but to us as well.

Health Care
FleasAn Irritation at Best and Major Problem at Worst

Fleas are a tiny almost invisible insect and something that most people never even think about, until they, or their pets become infected. People then realize that fleas are a major problem to many of households and will take whatever measures are available to eliminate them.

Fleas are an irritation at best and a major problem at worst. Not just to our pets but to us as well. The most common symptom of a flea infestation is itching. This comes from several sources. Firstly, fleas just itch when they crawl around on skin because this is very irritating. But worse than this is that fleas bite their host...and this can include you! They bite to feed on the blood of the host, and the bite causes irritation, itching and scratching.

However, the health effects of fleas can be worse than just the associated itching. Fleas can cause and transmit a range of medical conditions in animals and humans.

Dermatitis caused by fleas is responsible for more than half of all pet skin complaints treated by vets. This can result from excessive scratching or from an allergy to the flea bites, and can be caused by as little as one bite in a particularly sensitive individual. And the dermatitis can become more serious leading in some cases to secondary infection.

Fleas can carry worms from one host to another. Cat fleas, for example can carry and transmit dog tapeworms. This is generally not a problem for people, but can certainly be a problem for our pets.

And because fleas feed on blood they can transmit diseases from one host to another whenever there are blood borne diseases. Many years ago, it was fleas, not rats, that carried the plague which decimated much of Europe. The fleas were responsible for transmitting the disease from host to host. Even today fleas can transmit the plague in some remote villages in Africa, although this does not generally occur elsewhere.

Fleas therefore, are not something to be ignored if your pet is infected. In the warm months it is particularly easy for a wandering pet to pick up fleas very quickly and it is important to be aware of this possibility.

So what do you do if your pet is scratching and appears unusually irritated? Firstly, suspect fleas and then inspect your pet.

How do you determine if there are fleas present? They can be seen on your pet if you comb through the fur. Fleas are fast moving so make sure to look closely.

Check where you animal sleeps. Pets with fleas usually infest their bedding (or yours if this is where they sleep).

Be vigilant and keep note of any places where fleas are found as these are the places which will need to be treated to remove the fleas.

And how do you find out if you have fleas in the house? You'll see or feel them. If you find a flea on your person, chances are you've probably got fleas in the house.

A simple trick for detecting fleas is to walk around any suspect areas in your house with white socks over your shoes. Then check the socks for fleas.

Alternatively you can put a shallow dish of water in the suspect area on the floor. Suspend a light bulb (taking proper safety precautions) about 6 inches above the water and leave the light on at night. Try putting a few drops of dishwashing detergent in the water to break the surface tension. Fleas are attracted to the light and some will fall in the water and drown. So, if you find fleas in the water next morning you've got fleas!

Moral of this story - If you have fleas don't ignore them. The problem isn't likely to go away. Do something about it soon.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Do You Have A Fat Pet?+Article

As we feed our pets more convenient, over-processed pet foods and spend less time with them exercising, we actually put their lives at risk, without even realizing it.

Do You Have A Fat Pet?

People aren't the only ones who have a problem with weight control. Many of our pets, almost 25 per cent, are overweight, with many of these medically considered as obese. Why is this happening? Are our pets also becoming victims of the electronic age?

As we become more prone to using short-cuts in every day life; remote controls, microwaves, dishwashers, etc ... one would assume that we would have more time for the simple pleasures in life, such as - walking the dog. But no, that does not appear to be the case.

Even though we are managing to do these tasks in a much quicker time frame, we are just as quickly finding new things to fill the extra time. Yes, the advances in technology have provided faster ways of doing things but technology has also created many more things to do. We now spend a lot of time indoors, especially in front of a monitor; whether it be a computer monitor or a television monitor, many hours are spent staring at a screen.

We seem to no longer find enjoyment in many aspects of our lives as we are always reaching for that higher level; for more money, for a better job, for a more prestigious lifestyle. And in the process we have also spent less time with our pets, which has resulted in this increase in pet obesity. As many people down-size their homes by moving closer to city areas, mostly into townhouses and apartments, they leave less room in the new backyard for their pets, if they even have a backyard at all.

Being overweight can drastically decrease the life span of your pet, making your overweight pet into a very unhealthy pet, and ultimately an unhappy one as well. Obesity can lead to many different diseases, including; diabetes, arthritis, heart complications, endocrinal diseases and bad joints.

As we feed our pets more convenient, over-processed pet foods and spend less time with them exercising, we actually put their lives at risk, without even realizing it. Some pet owners may even over-feed their pets to try to compensate for their lack of involvement in their pet's lives.

Take your pet to your local veterinarian if you suspect that it may be overweight. They will be able to tell you if your pet is not getting enough exercise or is being feed the wrong type or amount of food.

Lastly, take some time out of your busy schedule and spend it with your pet, it will love you for it. Remember, a pet is a friend for life, so look after it.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Keeping Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather**Article

Water, Water, Water! And last but not least...like you, your dog needs to hydrate frequently so be sure to provide unlimited access to cool, clean refreshing drinking water.

Keeping Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

Sunny summer days seem to incite all sorts of fun activities with your dog: from playing fetch in the park to frisbee on the beach. Unfortunately, as temperatures soar, the hot weather also brings with it some very specific hazards such as sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Good news, these threats to your pooch are preventable.
Protecting Your Dog from Sunburn
Just like humans, dogs can be burned by the sun, especially the nose, tips of the ears and around the lip area. Commonsense dictates that you keep your dog in the shade during the hours when the sun's rays are most intense - usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, if you need to be outside during these times, it's okay to apply sun-block to your dog's nose and the exposed skin on the ears. It's a little risky to apply sun-block around the lips so instead just keep a close watch and make sure that the area doesn't get too pink. If you notice that any portion of your dog's skin is reddened or blistered, contact your veterinarian right away.
Protecting Your Dog from
Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
Leaving a dog in a parked car during summer weather is the leading cause of heat stroke. Dogs can also suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they exercise too heavily on a hot, humid day or, if they live outdoors and don't have shelter from the sun. Dogs are also susceptible if they are overweight or suffer from lung or heart ailments. Older dogs are less tolerant of heat and may succumb to heat strokes more readily than younger dogs. A few simple actions on your part can help protect your dog from heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Don't take your dog with you on errands if you need to leave her in the car. However, if you're traveling with your dog and must make a stop, even for the shortest period of time, consider leaving the air conditioner on. If you're accustomed to taking your dog with you when power-walking, jogging or cycling, don't push her on exceptionally hot days.

If she falls behind, let her take a break. For dogs who live outside, make sure to provide "all-day shade" such as a ventilated doghouse, large beach umbrella or overhang that will remain shaded even when the sun shifts throughout the day. Keep older dogs and those with lung or heart conditions inside your home on hot days. If you don't have air conditioning, keep a fan running. Avoid any situations that force your dog to stand on sun-baked surfaces such as cement sidewalks, a truck bed or beach sand. The extreme heat can cause blisters on her pads. If you simply must walk your dog in the heat of the day, tread on grassy areas as much as possible.

By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth-Article

If you live in an area with hard water, it is more likely that your dog's teeth will develop tartar deposits. Additionally, tooth problems are more likely if your dog eats mostly soft foods, because these leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, leading to infections.

How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth

Just like humans, dogs can get cavities if their teeth are not properly taken care of. Cavities are not as common in dogs as they are in humans; however there are some things which can increase the likelihood of your dog developing tooth problems. If you live in an area with hard water, it is more likely that your dog's teeth will develop tartar deposits. Additionally, tooth problems are more likely if your dog eats mostly soft foods, because these leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, leading to infections. These not only cause problems for your dog's teeth - studies show that a whopping 98% of cases of bad breath in dogs are caused by periodontal disease, which is the result of tartar build-up and gum infections.

The best way of preventing these problems is with regular brushing of your dog's teeth. Even if you have a great relationship with your dog, staring into its mouth and seeing rows of shining, sharp dog teeth can be intimidating. But by gradually getting your dog used to the idea of having you handling his mouth, you'll be able to clean his teeth and take care of his mouth without too many problems.

If you have a young dog, it is much easier to get started. Even if your dog is a few years old you can still get him used to the idea, but you may find that it takes a bit longer before your dog is willing to let you brush his teeth. To get your dog used to having his mouth handled, start by lifting his lips and looking at his teeth - do this two or three times a week, and each time, give him a small treat after you have finished. This will help both you and your dog relax when you are handling his mouth, and your dog will be more comfortable with the process when he knows there will be a treat when it's over.

Once your dog is used to having his mouth handled, it's time to start brushing. There are a few simple items you will need to brush your dog's teeth, which you can obtain from a pet store or from your veterinarian. You'll need a dog tooth brush (a wash cloth or gauze pad wrapped around your finger also works well), and tooth paste which has been formulated for animal use. Human tooth paste should not be used for brushing dog teeth, because dogs cannot spit, and human tooth paste is not safe to swallow in large quantities. Your dog will most likely swallow whatever you use to clean his teeth, so it is important to buy tooth paste which has been formulated specifically for dogs. In addition, dog tooth pastes come in several different flavors, so if you can find a flavor your dog likes, it will be that much easier to brush his teeth.

Once you have the right tools, brushing dog teeth is pretty similar to brushing your own. If you have a large dog, the easiest position is on the floor, with your dog in front of you. With smaller breeds or puppies, you can hold the dog in your lap. To start brushing, lift your dog's upper lip and brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure to brush at the base of each tooth where it meets the gum line. Also make sure to brush the back molars, because these teeth are more likely than the front teeth to develop problems. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, do only one or two teeth the first few times. As he becomes more comfortable with brushing, you can brush more teeth in each session. Always give your dog a small treat after each session.

Brushing should be done twice a week. If your dog's teeth have a lot of tartar build-up they'll need to be cleaned by your vet
- this is a fairly quick procedure but it does require anesthesia. In addition to regular brushing, feeding your dog dry dog food or hard biscuits every day is the best way of preventing tartar build-up. Soft foods and meat should be given as treat foods only. As well as this, provide your dog with bones or hard toys to chew on
- this will help keep their teeth and gums in good condition and it will also reduce the risk of your dog chewing on furniture or destroying your property. If you give your dog bones, do not cook them. Cooked bones can splinter, and these splinters can cause your dog to choke, or if swallowed they can perforate the bowel. Choose a bone based on the size of your dog
- make sure you get a large bone if your dog is a large breed, so that there is no possibility of swallowing it.

With a little care and attention, you can help keep your dog's teeth in tip-top condition for years to come.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/

Article..Dog Health Care - Caring for a Blind Dog - A Few Tips to Make Your Dog Safe

Caring for a Blind DogA Few
Tips to Make Your Dog Safe
Do you have a dog that is blind or nearly blind? If so, you know that caring for a blind dog is different than caring for a sighted dog. For one thing, you probably discovered early on that your dog bumps into things that are placed in his walkway. Blind dogs, like blind people, learn the layout of a house and are able to maneuver their way through hallways, living rooms and even stairs with little trouble. But if a piece of furniture is moved, or if a toy is left in a walkway, the dog stumbles and collides with it. For this reason it is very important that a home with a blind dog does not move household items around. Do not change the position of the furniture and make sure toys or other items are picked up and put away. Another area you need to keep clear is the yard. Blind dogs will run around their own yard that they have grown accustomed to. However, if the lawn mower is left out, or if a lawn chair is put in a different spot, the dog runs the risk of running into it and possibly getting injured. Pools also pose a danger. Anyone with an in-ground pool and a blind dog needs to fence the pool off from the rest of the yard. A sighted dog could be taught to swim to the steps and climb out in case he ever accidentally fell into the pool. But if a blind dog accidentally fell in he would have little chance to figure out where the steps were before he grew exhausted from swimming and drowned. If you have a staircase that is open on one side where the dog might fall through the railing to the ground below, you probably want to put something up along the bottom portion of the railing to prevent any tragedies. Even this is just a little convenience. After all, you love your dog enough to do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy. It is not difficult to care for a blind dog, but it does require extra patience and, as mentioned above, some extra planning. Fencing off a pool, leaving the furniture in place, and keeping walkways clear of toys and other things will help the blind dog maneuver around the house and yard almost as good as a sighted dog. There are different things that cause blindness in a dog, such as cataracts. Sometimes the blindness cannot be corrected, but some causes of blindness can be reversed if you have the money to pay for the surgery or whatever is required. Other times, because of financial strain or perhaps because the dog is very old, people opt to let the dog live out his remaining years without sight. Don't feel that your blind pet is unhappy with life and would not want to live without his sight. Dogs are amazing creatures and are capable of living a full and rewarding life whether they are blind or sighted. Caring for a blind dog is not as easy as caring for a sighted dog but well worth the extra effort. Your dog is a part of the family and deserves all the love and devotion you can give him.
By Daniel Waser
Article:http://www.justforthedogs.com/